With two defeats in three matches, the last of which came in a disappointing meeting against the Pistons on “MLK Day”, the Rockets needed to bounce back, to regain defensive virtues. Facing the Cavaliers, the best offense in the league, was the perfect test.
“We wanted to go back to who we are. “Don't just score for the sake of scoring and make saves when you can.” explain Ime Udoka. “Sometimes, as the matches go by, if things become easy then we can forget what allowed us to succeed. That's what we have to focus on because if we defend as we know how, we give ourselves a chance every night, rather than entering into shooting contests. »
Better to avoid having a competition with the Cavaliers in fact. Even if with a 13/41 at 3-pts, Donovan Mitchell and his teammates did not know their usual address. They sometimes missed open shots, but also suffered against the aggressiveness of the Rockets. Especially near the circle with the presence of Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams (38 rebounds between them), who spared no effort.
This was necessary to compensate for the very average performance of Jalen Green, decidedly less inspired since the start of the week with 19 points against Detroit, then only 10 against Cleveland.
Surpassing a 19-0 at the worst of times
“In the past, we probably wouldn't have survived an evening like that with a few players”rejoices the coach, who highlighted the matches and the points of Thompson, Adams and Tari Eason. We must also not forget Cam Whitmore, always so offensive with his 16 points and twelve shots in 21 minutes.
Houston was therefore able to make its defense speak again. However, it was not enough since Kenny Atkinson's players, patient and never completely down, hit very hard in the last quarter with a huge 19-0! The Rockets thus lost their lead at the worst time and the risk of diving was real.
“It shows how resilient this team is.”wants to emphasize Tari Eason. Fortunately, Fred VanVleet will relieve his teammates with two award-winning baskets. And what follows, in the final seconds, is a story of free throws, between the two successful ones from Alperen Sengun and the two missed ones from Darius Garland.
Consequently, the Rockets snatched this success with their teeth, with great mental strength given the scenario of the last quarter.
This season, they are handling heated moments at the end of the game well. “We have passed this stage where we panic and we don’t know what to do in certain situations”analyzes Fred VanVleet while Houston displays, in matches played to five points or less, a record of 9 victories for 6 defeats.
